Colorado suspect's mother first learned of shootings from a reporter

SAN DIEGO -- A lawyer for the family of James Holmes says his mother had no idea her son was believed to be the gunman who killed a dozen people in a Colorado theater until she was contacted at her San Diego home by a reporter.

The Associated PressLisa Damiani, an attorney and spokesperson for the parents of alleged Colorado mass murderer James Holmes, listens to a question during a news conference Monday, July 23, 2012, in San Diego.

San Diego attorney Lisa Damiani read a statement to reporters from Holmes' family Monday.

It quoted his mother, Arlene Holmes, as saying she first heard of the shooting in Aurora, Colo., hours after it occurred, when a reporter for ABC News called her.

Damiani also said Holmes' parents are standing by him because he is their son.

At the same time, she says family members want to reiterate what they said shortly after the shooting, that their hearts go out to the victims and their families.